VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

Voice of the People, Oct. 26

October 26, 2009

Conservation at Botanic Garden

In "Botanic recycling a mixed bag; Officials acknowledge trash, recyclables in same container; cite lack of composting firms" (News, Oct. 11), the reporter suggests the Chicago Botanic Garden is misleading visitors to believe we are recycling in the cafe more than we really are.

The story correctly points out that our system is imperfect. Although we have signs in the cafe that ask visitors to separate their trash (compostables, recyclables, etc.), these separate trash categories are mingled in the dumpster. When we started this process more than a year ago, it was with the intention of finding a commercial composter that could convert the food and containers to mulch for use in the garden. We continue to seek a hauler who can do this but have not yet been successful.

Illinois law has been very restrictive on commercial composters, but this law is changing on Jan. 1, 2010, and we will participate in meetings called by the Illinois Recycling Association. In the interim, we have continued to ask our visitors to separate the trash in anticipation that we will find a suitable hauler soon.

This article presents us with an opportunity to solve the cafe composting/trash challenge and to communicate the garden's comprehensive conservation plans, which include:

* Not selling bottled water since 2008, which has kept more than 96,000 bottles out of the landfill annually.

* Building a new Plant Science Center designed to earn a gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

* Recycling of pots.

* Eliminating paper towels in most bathrooms with the use of hand dryers.

* Watering garden landscapes drawn from the garden's lakes.

* Receiving 90 percent of leaves that the Village of Glencoe collects, and then shredding and spreading them as mulch for general grounds and display gardens.

We have put a sign above the trash bin indicating that we encourage separation of trash items and are hoping to have a composting solution soon.

While we know we can do more, we are proud of our sustainability efforts to date and know that they will continue to play a central role in our organization.

-- Sophia Siskel, president and CEO, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Ride compromise

There is a simple solution to the free RTA passes in light of the CTA fiscal dilemma.

Since seniors receiving Social Security are already being denied a cost-of-living increase, this is not the time to further challenge them economically by rescinding the senior pass. Anyone over 65 has learned throughout life that it is often necessary to "cross the aisle" and reach a solution that will be agreeable to all. Here is the compromise.

Seniors who ride public transportation during rush hours (hours to be determined by CTA) would pay a reduced fare of $1. Seniors riding outside of this time would ride free -- the reason being that during off hours, the buses, elevated trains and trains would be running anyway and seniors would not be depriving a seat to fare-paying riders.

Any senior who wishes at any time to pay full fare could do so, if he or she can do this without berating seniors who wish to use their free-pass option.

-- Mary Ann McGinley, Wilmette

Patience and support

The outcry on President Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize is astounding. While it is possible that peace discussions with other nations are not successful in ending wars, it is definitely a step in the right direction. I hope these discussions can end the senseless killing and maiming of American soldiers and innocent civilians. The president deserves credit in trying to bring peace to all nations; this is one of the reasons he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Iraq war started in 2003; why is the current president expected to end a war of this magnitude within a few months? He has to listen to those who are on the battlefield as they are more aware of what the U.S. needs to do to end the war.

It's not feasible that all military can be removed immediately, as some expect. In the end, no one really wins a war; we just end the killing.

Other countries are taking note of all the hatred and vicious statements spewed toward our current president. How are we to improve relations with other countries when there is so much dissension among Americans?

I am sure there are many who want our current president to end the wars and bring the deficit down to the point where many jobs are created and available, housing and medical care are affordable, and education is affordable and available for all who want to attend college. It would not have mattered who won the election in 2008; no one could resolve all of these outstanding issues within this short period. It is time to stand behind the current administration and allow it the chance to resolve the many outstanding problems faced by our country.